AMERICANA / NEW TEST FOR THE MONROE DOCTRINE

March 25, 2019, Caracas, Venezuela

BREAKING NEWS / RUSSIAN TROOPS LAND IN VENEZUELA

With a foreign power landing troops in the Western Hemisphere this week, perhaps it is time to brush up on the wording of the Monroe Doctrine, which by definition is a principle of US policy, originated by President James Monroe in 1823, that any intervention by external powers in the politics of the Americas is a potentially hostile act against the US.

THE MONROE DOCTRINE

From President James Monroe's seventh annual message to Congress, December 2, 1823:

At the proposal of the Russian Imperial Government, made through the minister of the Emperor residing here, a full power and instructions have been transmitted to the Minister of the United States at St. Petersburgh to arrange, by amicable negotiation, the respective rights and interests of the two nations on the northwest coast of this continent. A similar proposal has been made by His Imperial Majesty to the Government of Great Britain, which has likewise been acceded to.

The Government of the United States has been desirous, by this friendly proceeding, of manifesting the great value which they have invariably attached to the friendship of the Emperor, and their solicitude to cultivate the best understanding with his Government. In the discussions to which this interest has given rise, and in the arrangements by which they may terminate the occasion has been judged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and interests of the United States are involved, that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers....

President James Monroe, left, author of the Monroe Doctrine, 1823

It was stated at the commencement of the last session that a great effort was then making in Spain and Portugal, to improve the condition of the people of those countries, and that it appeared to be conducted with extraordinary moderation. It need scarcely be remarked, that the result has been, so far, very different from what was then anticipated. Of events in that quarter of the globe, with which we have so much intercourse, and from which we derive our origin, we have always been anxious and interested spectators. The citizens of the United States cherish sentiments the most friendly, in favor of the liberty and happiness of their fellow men on that side of the Atlantic.

In the wars of the European powers, in matters relating to themselves, we have never taken any part, nor does it comport with our policy to do so. It is only when our rights are invaded, or seriously menaced, that we resent injuries, or make preparation for our defence. With the movements in this hemisphere, we are, of necessity, more immediately connected, and by causes which must be obvious to all enlightened and impartial observers. The political system of the allied powers is essentially different, in this respect, from that of America.

This difference proceeds from that which exists in their respective governments. And to the defence of our own, which has been achieved by the loss of so much blood and treasure, and matured by the wisdom of their most enlightened citizens, and under which we have enjoyed unexampled felicity, this whole nation is devoted. We owe it, therefore, to candor, and to the amicable relations existing between the United States and those powers, to declare, that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere, as dangerous to our peace and safety.

With the existing colonies or dependencies of any European power we have not interfered, and shall not interfere. But with the governments who have declared their independence, and maintained it, and whose independence we have, on great consideration, and on just principles, acknowledged, we could not view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing them, or controlling, in any other manner, their destiny, by any European power in any other light than as the manifestation of an unfriendly disposition towards the United States.

In the war between those new governments and Spain we declared our neutrality at the time of their recognition, and to this we have adhered, and shall continue to adhere, provided no change shall occur, which, in the judgement of the competent authorities of this government, shall make a corresponding change, on the part of the United States, indispensable to their security.

The late events in Spain and Portugal, shew that Europe is still unsettled. Of this important fact, no stronger proof can be adduced than that the allied powers should have thought it proper, on any principle satisfactory to themselves, to have interposed, by force, in the internal concerns of Spain. To what extent such interposition may be carried, on the same principle, is a question, to which all independent powers, whose governments differ from theirs, are interested; even those most remote, and surely none more so than the United States.

Our policy, in regard to Europe, which was adopted at an early stage of the wars which have so long agitated that quarter of the globe, nevertheless remains the same, which is, not to interfere in the internal concerns of any of its powers; to consider the government de facto as the legitimate government for us; to cultivate friendly relations with it, and to preserve those relations by a frank, firm, and manly policy; meeting, in all instances, the just claims of every power; submitting to injuries from none. But, in regard to these continents, circumstances are eminently and conspicuously different.

It is impossible that the allied powers should extend their political system to any portion of either continent, without endangering our peace and happiness: nor can any one believe that our Southern Brethren, if left to themselves, would adopt it of their own accord. It is equally impossible, therefore, that we should behold such interposition, in any form, with indifference. If we look to the comparative strength and resources of Spain and those new governments, and their distance from each other, it must be obvious that she can never subdue them. It is still the true policy of the United States to leave the parties to themselves, in the hope that other powers will pursue the same course.

SAVE THE DATE / MARSTON HOUSE HOSTS OF 3 SOHO LECTURES

SAVE THE DATE. Historic Marston House will host 3 lectures during 2019 with the first beginning April 6.  Photo by SOHO's Robert Veres.

Save Our Heritage Organisation, San Diego’s largest preservation group now celebrating its 50th anniversary, is presenting 3 “Terrace Talks,” lively conversations among preservationists, historians, and the audience at the historic Marston House Museum & Gardens in Balboa Park.

The popular Saturday morning series, now in its second year, takes place this spring and fall on the warm, red-brick tile terrace of the 1905 Marston House, one of California’s finest remaining Arts and Crafts homes. Knowledgeable, engaging experts will address fascinating topics that complement SOHO’s historic preservation goals and accomplishments over five decades, and look to the future. The talks are from 11am to 12:30pm; tickets cost $10 per person and include light refreshments.  Info: (619) 297-9327

1. On April 6, the Terrace Talk will cover “Protecting the People’s Park for Over a Century: Generations of San Diegans Fighting to Preserve Balboa Park.” As far back as 1871, George Marston led protective efforts, and before the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition closed, citizens were organizing to save the “temporary” buildings and gardens. This discussion takes on added relevance with the recent announcement that the massive Plaza de Panama project for the park’s historic core is now on hiatus.

Nancy Carol Carter, an expert and author on Balboa Park horticulture and Kate Sessions, the nurserywoman and horticulturist who helped transform a dusty mesa into San Diego’s crown jewel, will present the history of the People’s Park from 1870 to 1915. Mike Kelly, president since 2006 of The Committee of One Hundred—a nonprofit group that preserves Balboa Park’s historic architecture, gardens, and public spaces—will summarize the history from 1915-1940. Urban designer and planner Howard Blackson, who helped remove the parked cars from the Plaza de Panama and revitalize it for pedestrians, will tell the park’s story from 1940 to the present. Judy Swink, a former librarian who became familiar with Balboa Park history while working for the civic group C-3, and also served on the Balboa Park Committee, will serve as moderator.

Tickets: click here.

2. On May 11, Why Old Places Matter will be discussed by three long-time SOHO leaders informed by a recent book of the same name and subtitled “How Historic Places Affect Our Identity and Well-Being.” As author Thompson M. Mayes of the National Trust for Historic Preservation notes, we may not always see past bricks, mortar, and the significant people and events they contained, but historic buildings and sites play a major role in the social, psychological, and emotional fabric of our complex culture and enrich our quality of life, as individuals and collectively.

Panelists include Jaye MacAskill, SOHO’s immediate past president and a researcher and historical consultant; Dan Soderberg, maker of SOHO’s award-winning documentary “Four Decades of Historic Preservation in San Diego County” and a board member; and David Swarens, also a board member who twice served as president and who helped create two large historic districts in the City of San Diego. Each speaker will illustrate the book’s concepts, using examples from SOHO’s preservation efforts over 50 years. The concepts include memory, continuity, beauty, ancestors, creativity, community, and sustainability. Amie Hayes, SOHO’s Historic Resources Specialist, will moderate the panel.

Tickets: click here.

Hazel Waterman designed home at Sixth & Laurel Streets.

3. On September 28, the Terrace Talk will feature Trailblazing Women Architects of California.

Sarai Johnson of Johnson & Johnson Architecture is a Marston House historian and the site’s former manager for nine years. She will discuss San Diego’s first woman architect, Hazel Wood Waterman, who apprenticed with Irving Gill, the region’s leading modernist, and went on to design buildings on her own. Ione R. Stiegler, FAIA, leads her own preservation architecture firm, now in its 30th year, and received the first American Institute of Architects California Council Distinguished Practice Award for preservation. She will talk about Julia Morgan, the famed architect of Hearst Castle at San Simeon, Asilomar conference center, and the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. Morgan was the first woman to become a licensed architect in California. Diane Welch is the author of two seminal books on architect Lilian J. Rice, and she will recount how Rice planned and designed much of Rancho Santa Fe and created many custom homes there. Moderator Jennifer Macdonald is an architect specializing in historic preservation and a Marston House docent.

Tickets: click here.

ABOUT THE MARSTON HOUSE.

The Marston House Museum & Gardens, 3525 Seventh Ave., is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours of the elegant, two-story home filled with period furnishings and plein air paintings require separate admission. Tours are available Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include “The Marston Legacy: Progress and Preservation,” a permanent exhibit organized by SOHO that pays tribute to this leading family’s many enduring contributions to San Diego. For more information, please visit www.SOHOsandiego.org or call (619) 297-9327.

Through education, advocacy, and stewardship SOHO's mission is to preserve, promote, and support preservation of the architectural, cultural, and historical links and landmarks that contribute to the community identity, depth, and character of our region.

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